Pathways to Independence gives awards

charris@thedailyreporter.comCOLDWATER — Students at Pathways to Independence were awarded monetary prizes at the Generation E conference earlier this month.

Vanisha Stewart and Luke Chaney received the awards on behalf of the students for Outstanding Achievement for their business, One of a Kind, and received $200. They were subsequently awarded an Energy Efficiency award from Consumers Energy and received $150.

One of a Kind is a business created by the students in which they sell up-cycled products to the public. Items such as a fire starter kit, hand bag and utility bag are all hand made, one-of-a kind products.

Pathways is a non-profit group with funding being obtained through donations. Donations benefit the students by providing clothing and shoes required for their employment and personal care products.

Julie Johnson, program coordinator, said, "It's important to teach them independence."

Along with Johnson, three paraprofessionals assist students on their "pathway to independence" —Debby Calloway, Dean Hines, Betty McLatcher and Sheryl Case.

"All the kids participate in one way or another — two students sew — to create items for the business," said Calloway.

Several local businesses employ students from Pathways. Students work Tuesday through Thursday with Monday and Friday being classroom days.

Pathways assists students 18 to 26 years old.

For the last three years, students at Pathways have participated in the Swap Meet and Car Show by volunteering to fill over 500 goodie bags which are provided to the public.

"We get them involved throughout the community and they really enjoy it — they love going to work," said McLatcher.

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